If I may, Mr. Chairman.
In fact, that is the very crux of the issue. That is why we are asking for the striking of clauses 20 to 23 of the bill. I will read you that. It also comes from a letter given to us by Mr. Cannon who was transport minister at the time. The letter is dated October 16, 2007, and it is signed by Benoît Pelletier, from the Government of Quebec, who was responsible for this issue at the time. It reads as follows:
The concept of a National Interest Land Mass provided in the bill would allow the NCC to designate all lands within it, for instance, Gatineau Park and lands within the City of Gatineau and surrounding area. This new tool, due to the NCC's increased presence on the Quebec side of the Outaouais region, further complicates the Government of Quebec's exercise of its jurisdiction with respect to land use planning. Furthermore, this concept is a direct affront to the Quebec nation and to Quebec's territorial integrity. Quebec's territorial integrity is a principle that all successive governments in Quebec, regardless of political allegiance, have staunchly defended. Along with the right of expropriation it already has, the concept of a National Interest Land Mass provides the NCC with excessive authority. Without wanting to impute any motives to the Commission, the powers currently granted to the NCC and the governor in council could allow them to: (1) expand the limits of the National Capital Region; (2) identify all lands which would fit within the National Interest Land Mass; and (3) proceed to expropriation without the agreement of the Government of Quebec, nor the approval of Parliament.
So, we feel uneasy about these powers being granted and are concerned about the territorial integrity of Quebec. This is why we have moved the amendment.